On Thursday, February 12th, 2009 His Grace Bishop Maxim together with the Clergy of the Western American Diocese gathered for the Annual Clergy Meeting and Seminar at the St. Petka Serbian Orthodox Church in San Marcos, California. The day began with a fellowship luncheon in the main hall. The annual meeting of the Clergy and the meeting of the Diocesan Kolo Sestara (Circle of Serbian Sisters) followed. The much anticipated Clergy Seminar began at 3:00 p.m. which featured special guest speaker, V.Rev. Paul Tarazi, Th.d.. Fr. Tarazi spoke on the topic, "The Priest as Pastor". At the conclusion of the Seminar Vespers were held in the St. Petka Church followed by dinner. After many had retired to the hotel for the evening, the members of the Diocesan Council gathered for their meeting.